Lessons in the Key of Life: 2011

Where is He?

Wise men of old came from afar asking the timeless question, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2). Following the star that they had seen in the east, they were led to where the Christ Child was. Upon their arrival they presented the new born baby with precious gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh.

Have you ever stopped to wonder why the scriptures never tell us exactly how many wise men came to worship the new born King? Have you ever wondered why there is no mention of their names or identities? I submit that it is because they were not the focal point of the lesson that is being taught. The lesson that is being taught is that Christ is the One upon whom our focus should be centered. Like the wise men of old, we should come near to worship Him.

Dec

The Special Gift That Was Given

The tiny babe who in Bethlehem’s manger lay was no ordinary child. Some people called Him the son of David. Others called Him the son of Joseph. The scriptures call Him the son of David, the son of Mary, the son of man, the Son of God. He whose name is Immanuel, meaning God is with us, was born to be the King of kings and the Lord of lords. This child was the promised Messiah - even Jesus the Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God.

Nov

The Last Full Measure of Devotion

Every year, 11 November is set aside as the day that we celebrate Veterans Day. The purpose of the day is to pay honor and tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces who have either served, or are currently serving this great nation of ours by putting their lives on the line to defend and protect the freedoms that we so dearly cherish.

Oct

To The Unknown God

The Apostle Paul Preaching At the Areopagus (Mars Hill)

While on his second missionary journey, the Apostle Paul visited the city of Troas on the Mediterranean coast. While in Troas, a vision appeared to Paul in the night. In that vision "There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us" (Acts 16:9).

Oct

Why do good things happen to bad people?

I know that someone is going to read the title of this article and their first thought is going to be, "Keith, I think that you might have that a little backwards. Shouldn't the title read "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Perhaps it should, for that seems to be the question that is asked with great frequency these days. People have a hard time understanding why it is that the harder they try, there always seem to be some obstacle that stands in their way of succeeding.

Oct

In the Service of Our God

The word “service” can be defined as the action of helping or doing work for someone. “Service” can also be defined as someone’s contribution to the welfare of others. After a long and perhaps arduous week at work and studying in the classroom, most people treasure their weekends as time for themselves to relax, unwind and do some of the things that they enjoy doing.

Sep

September Morning - Lest We Forget

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

Sep

Entrance to the Kingdom of God

This talk was given on Saturday, September 03, 2011, on the occasion of the baptism of Andrew Jerry Calabrese.

Sep

All Hands On Deck!

With Hurricane Irene now behind us, I would like to use the analogy of a ship caught in a raging storm at sea to share my personal reflections and thoughts on how we as a family and as a Church should care for and protect one another during a time of crisis.

When a ship is at sea caught in the snares of a raging storm and tempest; that is not the time for a crew member to center his attention and focus on self - being only concerned about his own safety and well-being.

Aug

Lessons My Father Taught Me

My father, the late John Wallace Brown, began working as a short-order cook during his High School years and continued working in that profession up until the time of his death on 20 November 2006, at 71 years of age. He would be promoted during his career to Kitchen Manager.

President Ezra Taft Benson once said, “A father’s duty is to make his home a place of happiness and joy. He cannot do this when there is bickering, quarrelling, contention, or unrighteous behavior.

Lessons in the Key of Life

Lessons that I have learned as I journey through life.